Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Tea Good for Us

Tea is naturally rich in flavonoids and contains many anti-oxidant properties. Numerous scientific studies have shown that tea can have a variety of positive effects on our physical and mental health. Green tea and white teas have been effective in the prevention of certain types of cancers including lung, prostate and breast cancer. The effect of green tea is said to increase our metabolic rate and can increase endurance in excercise by improving fat metabolism. It has also been shown that tea can boost our immune system and increase mental alertness, lower stress hormone levels and have a positive effect on oral health and bone density.

What is Tea?

The word “tea” refers to both a plant and a beverage made by processing the leaves or buds if the tea bush Camellia Sinensis. All the various types of tea come from the same plant, which will have different characteristics due to differences in climate, soil, season, and care. The full flavor of the final product is developed from the freshly harvested tea leaves by oxidation (fermentation), heating and drying. Tea, like wine, will be named for the district where it is grown and each district is known for producing teas of unique characteristics and flavor. After water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world. Canadians drink more than 7 billion cups annually.

What are the different types of tea?

There are more than 1,500 types of tea worldwide. Tea is generally broken up into 4 main categories, three of them depending on oxidation level. The four main varities are Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong tea and Tisanes. Black tea is currently the most common in the western world, but green tea and white tea are rapidly becoming popular for their health benefits. Herbal teas and tisanes are generally included when talking about tea, but are in fact made from fruits and herbs.

Why are some types of tea so much more expensive than the others?

As with wine and cheese, prices for different types and grades of tea can vary drasticaly. Simply, some teas are rare and costly to produce and others are not. Another factor that contributes to the difference in price is the grade, or quality of the tea in concern. Even though the names may be the same, different tea houses carry different grades of teas. Therefore, a Dragon Well selling for $15 per kilo will definitely be lower grade to another Dragon Well that sells at $15 per 100 grams, and their taste and aroma will be drastically different.

Isn’t whole leaf tea difficult to work with?

Not at all. A satisfying and healthy cup of whole leaf tea can be as easy to make as a cup of coffee. Simply scoop the whole leaf tea from an airtight tin into an infuser ball or basket or a biodegradable tea filter. Bring cold, fresh water to a rolling boil then steep for 30 seconds (green teas), 3 minutes (black teas) or 5 minutes (tisanes) and enjoy. There are also server thermal mugs and pots that make it easy for you to enjoy your tea on the go.

How do I properly store tea?

Tea is extremely sensitive to light, oxygen and moisture so we highly recommend storing them in light-proof, airtight containers in a cool, dry place. A good airtight metal tin is the recommended as plastic and glass is still porous so oxygen will still go through.

How to brew the perfect up of tea

What type of tea should I use?

Start with a loose leaf variety of your favorite tea. Whole leaf tea is the least processed tea and maintains all of the natural oils, anti-oxidants and flavonoids of tea, increasing the health benefits and flavor of your beverage. The recommended ratio is one rounded teaspoon of tea to one 7 ounce cup.

Green Tea Brewing Tips

Use a small teaspoon of tea per cup

Pour 90°C/195 ° F water over tea

Infuse for about 30 seconds to a minute

Green tea can be infused for 3 – 5 times, so a little goes a long way! (The second infusion is actually the best.)

If you are using boiling water, just open the cover of your kettle and let it cool down for a minute or two before pouring onto the delicate tea leaves.

Black Tea Brewing Tips

Use a small teaspoon of tea per cup

Add fresh boiling water over tea

Infuse for about 3 to 4 minutes

Oolong Tea Brewing Tips

Use a teaspoon of tea per cup

Pour boiling water over tea

Discard this first infusion immediately

Oolong tea can be infused to 3 – 5 times, so a little goes a long way! (the second infusion is actually the best.)

Infuse for about 30 seconds to a minute

Steep a little longer for a stronger infusion

Herbal / Rooibos Tea Brewing Tips

Use a teaspoon of tea per cup

Pour boiling water over tea

Herbal/Rooibos teas can be steeped longer, as these teas are non-caffineated and do not contain tannients.

Infuse for 5 to 8 minutes.

Full of antioxidants and health benefits Herbal/Rooibos tea is a popular choice for tea drinkers choosing healthy teas

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